Looking for answers to life's questions

I’ve been absent and can’t quite explain why that happened. We had excessive heat along with smoke from fires in every direction. I think my brain melts in hot weather but I was willing to tolerate it without (too much) complaint as I bargained with the heavens that I would be quiet about the heat if the weather cooled for my company.

September’s flower Aster in full bloom on Sept 2

I had lots of it. My son and his significant other spent 10 days here and my cousin and her grown children arrived just in time to spend three days celebrating our birthdays. This is the time of year so many I know are celebrating birthdays. There were three of us in my family here and one good friend in just over a week. More of my blogging friends have them in early September as well.

The beginning of Autumn Hydrangeas

Why the party? My cousin who is many years younger had her heart stop a while back. It took three tries to get it going again and then a pacemaker. It’s happening more and more to younger people. She decided life was now and no more waiting. It’s been 15 years since we’ve been in the same space. This was also my 70th birthday two days before her birthday and she was named after me.

2nd cousins all grown up.

Bloody Mary toast to 70 and not 70.

Even drink these out of a straw. Her son did the grilling.

Birthdays are no longer a given. I was informed last December that I am facing a major health challenge that can only be managed, not treated. so all my ducks needed to be lined up as I go about the business of continuing to live a full and happy life. Family and friends are a big part of that so the party seemed to take on a life of its own. It was a zoo here! My sewing friends were invited to visit the zoo and were made honorary members for their efforts.

Flowers from Patti

Wall hanging from my friend, Emily. It was her birthday week as well.

It was so much fun to see how everyone pitched in to make it work effortlessly. These last months have been very full and I have many partially written posts waiting to be finished. Now that fall has finally winked at us, I may have a bit more time. Of course the rain has still failed to materialize and we desperately need it.

All the den, living room and dining room furniture in one space so we are all together

I think birthdays should be celebrated more than any holiday we have. I’ve always been grateful for the opportunity to grow older. Not everyone has that pleasure. My birthdays have usually been very quiet and sedate. This one, shared by my cousin, son’s partner and myself made it raucous and loud. A real party! I wanted no gifts as I’m in the giving away stage but some things were still gifted and deserved special mention.

A wonderful gift from my daughter for all of us. Another view of my favorite non cake. Doesn’t get better than this.

My son and his partner did many chores for me as well as putting new struts on the tailgate of my suburban. That door is quite heavy when it comes down on you. He also built shelves in the storage shed for better organization and put up more motion sensors for my safety. There is more to this but that’s another post.

Tech Supports favorite task when visiting.

My daughter and I went to see Christopher Robin at the movies several weeks ago and I mentioned after this wonderful and sweet story that I didn’t remember ever reading the Pooh stories. She said she had so I must have bought her a copy at some time. I am now having the childhood I missed the first time. I read myself a bedtime story each night. They are so lovely and I hope to catch up on more I missed.

Jennie at A Teacher’s Reflection’sentices me with her collection of children’s books. I feel quite young visiting her blog.

Thank you for the good wishes, Linda. I’ve been trying for months to figure out how to address the health issue gently without making a big deal of it. I thought I’d just slide it in between happy stuff. It’s an information only kind of thing as I’m having a harder time keeping up these days. That was my Christmas gift last year. I’ve been reeling since. I’m glad you agree about birthdays.

Happy birthday!!!
It sounds indeed as you all had a joyous and great time.
Sharing time with beloved ones is one of the best things in life.
I also particularly love birthdays, in whichever way they may be celebrated.
All the best ❤

It is never too late to become a fan of the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood. Quotes from Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore litter our lives here and we instantly recognise when others cite them. I loved hearing about your birthday gathering, that must have been so much fun! I celebrate mine alone here, no-one else I know falls in this month. With the sudden and unexpected loss of my last brother I too am very aware that every birthday may be our last – there are no guarantees in life except change and leaving it. Puts our perspective where it needs to be I think! Happy 70th Marlene, may you move with grace and wonder through the year xoxo

You are 100% right on all counts, Pauline. I’ve had many, many birthdays like that as well. This is my first larger gathering. It was really fun. I’m not much of a party person but I am about celebrating life. Thank you for your well wishes and kind words. Giant squishy hugs. M

Happy Birthday Marlene. Looks like you had a wonderful celebration! My birthday comes up on this next weekend, but I have never been one to go for big celebrations as an adult. I do allow myself the enjoyment of setting aside some extra money though, and getting myself something that I have been eyeballing. This year it was restocking some of my book shelves and getting some warmer work-related clothing as we approach colder weather. I was quite cold last winter and the hospital has odd pockets of really cold temperatures as I come and go down the corridors and into patient rooms.

Thank you for the good wishes, Deb. This was the biggest party I’ve ever had in my life. My parents gave me one when I was 13 but I was sure no one would come. But they did and I loved it. This was my first adult party shared with 3 of us Virgos. 🙂 The best kind. Warmer work clothes sound more like a necessity than a luxury but I get it. Books are my favorite gift too. I got several on Kindle from my son. He wants to make sure I never run out. ;0 I hope you find a way to celebrate yourself. I’ll be wishing you a happy birthday and singing you a song. Plug your ears or they might hurt. Hugs. M

Happy Birthday, my friend! Virgo’s rock! I have my birthday tomorrow (Wed). I’ve never really celebrated my day. Even when I was a kid, it was celebrated more for my little brother (his birthday is Sept. 14) than mine. As an adult, I have just never been around people that celebrated my birthday. Eh, I do for myself in small ways. I’m glad you had such a great one. As you say, you never know when your time is up so why not celebrate! Big hugs ❤

Thank you, Jackie. It looks like the card I mailed might be late getting to you. From here to you seems to take more than 10 days. It was the same for me most of my life. Quiet and sedate but this turned out to be a real party with a dozen people here! I loved it. I knew your birthday was the 12th. 😉 I’ll be sending virtual wishes my friend. Have some joy. Hugs,

I love that you realize what a gift growing old really is. Like you said, not everyone gets a chance. I’m curious, do you sleep better at night reading Pooh and his friends, Marlene? It seems as though it would be quite relaxing. Your birthday celebration sounds wonderful! I have a feeling you’ll be celebrating many more, much like my 92 year old aunt who I just spoke with on the phone. You’d think she was 50! I love chatting with her. Having lived with a disease for over 30 years that can only be managed, I think you’ll be just fine…you’re tough…and you take the cutest photos! Happy belated birthday! ❤

I do sleep better with Pooh stories at night. I always read a Chicken Soup for the Soul story and now I have Pooh too. 😉 Doing everything I can to be the first to defy the odds on this one. My sister has it too as did my mother. I’m going to play a little every day and stay as young mentally as possible. Pooh is helping with that. 😉 I’m sorry you are struggling as well. I think everyone has something they are challenged by so I am definitely not unique there. Just slowing down a bit. 😉 Or is that laziness hiding? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Jill.

I love this, Marlene (Not the health piece, natch, so we will skip past that, other than to say, honey is recommended by all reputable bears). Birthdays are an excuse to party – at least get together and remind ourselves who loves us, who we love and which of those miscreants borrowed my complete works of Pooh. Pooh is the philosopher du jour over here. We live about 20 miles north of Hundred Acre Wood and the pooh sticking river near Mayfield so walks to encompass homages are a regular feature. I haven’t read the stories in ages and your idea to open them up is great. Ditto my other fav bear, Paddington. I must get right in it… Toodle-pip! And have a simply sooper selebration…

I’m so glad you stopped by, Geoff. I was trying to slip the health thing in hopefully more unnoticed that addressed. Wanted to somewhat explain my slow energy these days. 😉 Main focus is to have as much fun as possible and I know I read Paddington to my daughter. I just recently gave it and many other children’s books to a friend for her grandchildren. I’m tickled that you live close to the Hundred Acre Wood. That makes it all the more real. I’m loving the stories and if I read them before, oh so long ago, they still seem all new to me know. Children’s books put us back in our heart space. Thank you.

Happy Birthday, Marlene! I am so glad you are having a second childhood. That unencombered joy and zest for learning and exploring is just the best. I don’t think I began to really feel like a child until 20 years ago. So, it took me 15 years of teaching to find that place. And a hundred thank yous for including me in your post. That was so nice, and made my day. 😀

I always feel like I’m a child in your classroom when I come by and am so inspired by you. For many of us in the world, teachers like you were not there and childhoods were put on hold for many reasons. I consider all my sewing, crafting and books part of the toys of my senior childhood. Playing is so much fun and reading children’s stories brings us back to that heart level that most children have. It’s where we should all begin each day. Thank you for the birthday wishes and stopping by.

I cannot begin to tell you how beautiful your words are, Marlene. Reading your comment makes me feel filled to the top. I truly appreciate that teaching has far reaching effects on others- not just the children in my class. I’m so glad that I can bring some childhood to you, Marlene. I think you’re the best! ❤️

I’m sorry I missed the chance to wish you Many Happy Returns on the day itself, so please take the thought as the action. I’m so happy you had a wonderful celebration with people you love, which is the best kind of day. 70 is a good age, young enough to be still spry, not so old you start forgetting the highlights of your life. Stay as well as can be expected, dear girl, and we’ll look forward to those posts you still have in the pipeline.

Thank you so much, Kate. For me, everyday is a celebrated day. I am still quite spry and the memories are heading for the page for my family to have later. I figured anyone can sew my fabric but only I can tell my stories. It was the biggest party I’ve ever had. So much fun.

Hi Marlene–such a happy, joyful post (although I don’t like that little detail about the health challenge!) Your birthday sounds wonderful and its so nice you could share it with so many others–it’s clear you are loved! And I have to tell you–the Boston Museum of Fine Art has a Winnie the Pooh show opening in a couple weeks and my husband and I are going! I’ll take some photos for you! https://www.mfa.org/exhibitions/winnie-the-pooh

How exciting to see the exhibit!! I’ll appreciate seeing the photos. Who knew I could like children’s stories so much. I am truly grateful for all the love in my life. That is also not a given. Thank you so much for the good wishes and for stopping by. It was really a fun and happy day.

Marlene, I’ve had fun visiting all your photos and memories of this special birthday week. I’m so glad you were surrounded by people who love you. Everything looks festive, warm and welcoming. I love your September shirt! Was that a gift or one you’ve had all along? As for Winnie the Pooh it was Chris’ favorite. We had several small books, then eventually bought (or received as a gift) the complete volumes. He had a Pooh plushie for a time too. As a funny aside, I’m A.A. Milner, just one letter off the great A.A. Milne. I love that you’re reading a chapter each night, then falling asleep to thoughts of the Hundred Acre Wood and Christopher Robin’s beloved animal friends.

As for gifts, books and cakes and cards are consumable and shareable, so perfect for any occassion in my book. As for celebrating, my mom announced when we were five or six, that we were getting too old for birthday parties and I’ve never felt the same since. I compensated by making special birthday parties for both my boys until *they* no longer wanted the fuss. I love getting cards for my birthday (and frankly happy mail is cause for celebration any day of the year). My friend Laura does something special for what she calls “zero birthdays” like yours: 50, 60, 70 and so on. I turn 60 at the end of 2019. I’ll see how I feel then.

That non-cake cake looks fabulous and so does your smile. And as I read through the comments, I was delighted to see one from your sister. Xo

I’m so happy to see you here this morning. On my way to get an oil change.
I never thought about the closeness of your name to A.A. Milne!! I’m really enjoying the stories at night.
That no cake, cake was criminally delicious. My cousins had never had anything like it and were enthralled. It has a 4 hour shelf life but actually waited most of the day for us to get to it. If you get back up here, I take you for a piece. 😉
As for birthdays, ours were mostly forgotten but don’t dare forget mom’s. My children never had big parties as we had limited funds but I always made a big deal out of each one. I think we should celebrate our lives with some form of ritual. Most years are quiet celebrations but celebrations non the less. Since the family wasn’t sure there would be more, they decided to make this a big deal. My cousin is appreciating hers more too. Zero birthdays are a great idea. So is 65. 😉 Life is precious. Celebrate it all. 😉 Love and hugs.

Happy Birthday, Marlene!!!
Your no cake is certainly one I’d like. I love children’s books, especially at bedtime. The WInd in the Willows, Velveteen Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and others. There’s just something special and comforting about them.

Thank you for stopping by and your birthday wishes, Aquila, I didn’t find anyone turn away the cake or leave any on their plate. 🙂 I missed many of those children’s books so I’m making up for lost time. 🙂

A wonderful birthday and a delightful post – thank you Marlene! So glad you had a wonderful time!

I grew up with Winnie the Pooh (I still sleep with a large teddy bear but don’t tell anyone!), and still have the 4 original books – very tattered after so many moves, falling apart really, but I won’t let go of them for anything – enjoy reading all his lovely adventures!

Thank you, Clare. It’s wonderful that you were able to keep your Pooh books. I have a teddy bear on my bed that I gave my mother when she was having a hard time oh so many years ago. She had with her until she passed and now I have it. We moved so often that much passed our awareness. Still catching up here. Be well.

Belated Happy Birthday, Marlene!! 😀 Since long I wanted to ask you if I might send you a handmade card and this seems like the perfect occasion. My email address is: miss_dragonfly@gmx.de
Just drop me a few lines and your address if you´d like to get a card from me. 🙂
Your non-cake looks sooo delicious! And healthy too with all those lovely berries! And how wonderful that your cousin came and you could celebrate together!
Normally I celebrate my birthday very quietly but think I should change that, because you´re right: it´s the one holiday we really should make an effort to celebrate!
I also want to read Winnie the Pooh as I can´t remember any of the stories, although I know that they have been read to me, and I have a feeling that I would enjoy them very much!
Do you know “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams? I love it and just discovered it recently. It´s not a very long story and can be dowloaded online if you´re interested. 🙂 Have a beautiful weekend!

Thank you so much for the good wishes and thoughts, Sarah. You really want to celebrate them when you know there might not be many more. I’ve always made a fuss over my children’s birthdays but not with big gifts and parties. Just lots of love and celebrating them. Most of my birthdays are quieter but I still believe a day worth celebrating. Life is shorter than we think so make them a big deal.
I do actually know “The Velveteen Rabbit’ but like you, it’s been too many years to remember. I’ll probably peak at that again if I get time. I’ll send you an e-mail. tomorrow. I’m done for tonight.

You´re most welcome, Marlene! And you couldn’t be more right about life being shorter than we think or hope for.
Incidentally: I came across a lovely edition of the Complete Stories of Winnie the Pooh today at my library!! Can´t wait to read them!
Have a wonderfilled week! 🙂

Happy 70th! You are beautiful and fabulous. I also enjoyed this post. 🙂 You know, I’ve often downplayed my birthdays – although I have a practice of doing a gratitude meditation on my birthday, for having made it another year around the sun. After reading this, you know, it really is a sacred occasion, deserving of celebration. I resolve to do just that. 🙂
It sounds like you have been surrounded by love: love from family and friends who have gathered at your place! How incredibly beautiful…and fun!
I’m wishing you well. I’ll send some of this rain we’ve gotten socked with in North Carolina if I could – just to keep it a little cooler where you are! Ha! (We’re safe…we live in the western part of the state, so we’re just getting rain from the storm today).
In any case, sending you big hugs!

Thank you so much, Cynthia. I am so delighted that you have decided to celebrate your day. Mine are mostly quiet with just my daughter and I but we always make it a celebratory attitude. We get one life. Celebrate it. I am fortunate that my family and I are close at least some of us. Since this is a big year and my health is critical, family decided not to wait any longer for a visit. Never put things off like that if you can help it. We got a tiny bit of rain the last day but every drop helps. It will start the end of Oct and not stop till next summer. I wish we could save it for summer. ;(

Oh, Marlene. A post filled with joyful things. Did you know the original exclamation mark is thought to have come from the Latin word for joy? (io). I kept thinking in happy exclamation marks as I read your post. And I love this line: “… all my ducks needed to be lined up as I go about the business of continuing to live a full and happy life.” Well said, indeed.
So here’s an ‘io’ or ! in response to this post.

Thank you so much, Cynthia. I was trying to explain as gently as possible that I’m lagging due to health conditions, not out of disinterest. I get to as many posts daily as possible and write as often as possible but I have seriously slowed down. ;( But life is meant to be joyful and that’s where my focus remains. Thank you for the information as well. I like that explanation of the exclamation. 😉

A belated Happy Birthday to you. How awesome and wonderful. I am so glad to read all about it in your post. 🙂 Loved it.
Your birthday cake looked super delicious. Yummy.
Have a wonderful time and take care.

Thank you so much, Joey. You are about the age of my cousin that came to visit. The cake was criminally delicious and a once a year treat, Like you, I usually have simple celebrations but this year was special. I took a peek at your 50th birthday and loved reading it. It’s important to celebrate each day and each milestone. Hope you continue to have many more.

🙂 I loved reading your post. It was very encouraging. I am enjoying so much more these days, and find I have time for so much.
I made a mental note of that cake, I would enjoy it too.
Thank you for the comment on my birthday post. 🙂 Next year will be 55, so another “big one” To me, each one is special, as long as you can be with loved ones and good friends.
Have a great day, and enjoy the weekend, it is now just around the corner.

Dear Marlene, I am hopelessly late to the party ( no non-cake for me!) but I have come to wish you a very Happy Birthday, anyway. I don’t normally fuss about my birthday, but sometimes it’s important to celebrate and rejoice. I am glad that you did! I am sorry to hear about your health difficulties. Your determination to enjoy and make the most of your situation put me in mind of a famous quote from an Australian poem
‘ Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in another’s trouble,
Courage in your own.’
Adam Lindsay Gordon (Ye Wearie Wayfarer).

I so love this poem and thank you for sharing it. I have saved it. A lovely gift from you. 😉 Life gives us all challenges and we must rise to meet them or wither away. I’m not the withering type. 😉 It was a luscious non cake and not a scrap was left. I’m enjoying my Pooh stories at night. No wonder children are usually so happy. Read to mine for years until they read to me but just don’t remember this one. Of course, memory fails me most of the time. 😦 It’s like the first time if I have read it. Have a delightful weekend ahead.

Dearest Marlene,
Firstly, I am so pleased you enjoyed a beautiful Birthday.. Sorry I was not around your blog on the day you published this wonderful post..
Happy Birthday to you and I hope many more such happy ones to return..
And a 70th is a great time to have a party, We held one for my hubby last year.
So I was thrilled to know you all had a get together and such a lovely time…

So loved your Cake from your daughter and that beautiful wall hanging.. So special..
Your garden plants also looking good as autumn is upon us..

You have a wonderful home, and your son so thoughtful in installing new sensors too..
As for your bedtime reading.. A great choice.. I loved Winnie the Pooh.. And remember when my children were small, my son had a bedspread with Winnie the Pooh on it..

And Jennies Blog is a wonderland of stories too… I love how she teaches her class of young minds.. And I have told her on many occasions how I wished she had been my teacher.. 🙂

Lovely to read about your celebrations Marlene.. And I send you much love and continued well wishes to enjoy more of these beautiful Now Moments..
We need to make the most of every one of them.. 🙂

Thank you so much, Sue. No apologies needed. As you can see, it took me almost 10 more days to post the event. 🙂

Jennie and teachers like her, (are there any) would have made a difference in many lives. I was not fortunate to run across one like her nor were my children.

I had a stepdaughter that loved Winnie The Pooh and I think I made blankets for her children with that motif but never had a chance to read the stories. They are fun even now as we need a little lightness in our lives.

We do need to celebrate more and especially birthdays. Hugs and love, M

I agree with you Marlene.. Sadly there are very few teachers like Jennie. And Birthdays are special.. Now is the time to enjoy the JOY of Winnie the Pooh..
I am lucky and have my granddaughter on sleep overs regular.. And we love our story telling at bedtime.. 😀 and I think Grandma is the biggest child.. ❤ Lol.. 🙂

Hehe.. Don’t ever let it stop you Marlene.. And yes, I never had those experiences of being read to as a child.. I tried to create those experiences for my siblings and would tell them made up bedtime stories.. My sister still remembers them… Memories are what we make them to be.. ❤

Marlene, I saw your gravatar on my blog today and realized I had not heard from you in awhile, so I went hunting for you online and was delighted to read of this wonderful birthday. It looks perfect! I so enjoyed your photos. Jeff and I had the same birthday so we always celebrated together, but never anything big. Neither of us grew up having a big deal made of our birthdays. To this day I don’t know whether that was a good or bad thing. But I’m glad this year was a big celebration for you! And may you have many more…you deserve them! Sending GIANT belated birthday hugs!!

Thank you for your good wishes, Julia. I’ve been lagging in reading and posting. A celebration doesn’t need to be elaborate. I believe we are all gifted this one life and my way of saying thank you is to celebrate that gift. Each of us is a big deal in heart of All That Is. We don’t spend money on big parties but a good sized family and friends gathering with food and love is a great way to celebrate the day you came to grace the world. I’m sure it’s harder for you to celebrate without Jeff. My daughter and I go out for a nice German dinner on my mother’s birthday and tell silly stories about her. Never far from our hearts. Hugs to you and hope you are staying well.

Hi Marlene – and belated Happy Birthday wishes!! I am happy you had a big party, nice company in the ‘zoo’ and help with repairs etc. May you have many more such celebrations!My son always asks what he can do when he comes to visit and most often I can find something that he can fix. I had my birthday also late this month and this time I celebrated very quietly…with Dylan only…we got lobster tails with all the trimmings from one of my favorite places and came home to eat dinner. Lots of calls though from family and friends and a big bag of presents my kiddos had left here when they last came. It was different from the past but quiet and nice. Hugs!

Thanks for stopping by, Tiny. 🙂 My birthdays are usually quiet too with just my daughter and I but this one is a big one so everyone came. I like quiet and intimate. Last years was fun in a different way. I just always think birthdays should be made special in some way. It’s nice your son tries to help as well. We’ve raised some fine children. Hugs to you as well.

Happy Blessed Birthday Marlene!! May health, love and happiness always be yours! I love my birthday and so I always try to make it special. So I understand how you feel about yours. Sending you big hugs xo

Thank you, Yvonne. They are and should always be a special day for everyone. We never did big parties for my children but they always knew their birthday was extra special and I was glad they were in the world. No one knows how many they will get so each one is celebrated. Glad you do too. Hugs to you as well.

That’s some cake your daughter brought (made? bought?) for you Marlene. I’m afraid it’s a little late even for belated birthday wishes, so let me make them ‘non-specific’ but equally heartfelt best wishes. Hariod

It’s true, I had *not* seen this post yet. Fun to read how full your house was and how they made everything easy on you. I think having a great big party for your birthday is awesome! Of course it’s easy to notice the health update, and you did a fine job with distracting us by presenting such a bold & optimistic outlook! Optimism and Joy are probably the best medicine aside from Love given and taken. Still… you are allowed to grieve and be grumpy or sad sometimes too. You have always been right there to boost me up when I need it, and I want you to know that I love you immeasurably and that includes any time when you’re not feeling joyful too. Also, I have time to help at your house now. Hugs and hugs, Crystal

Thanks so much, sweetie. You have a good heart. I called it a health challenge when it’s in fact a life challenge. I spent the last year wrapping my head around this and grieving as well as getting a plan of action. Did you get a good look at the Bacconi Dolche’? I know where you can get some of it. 🙂

Well heavens! A very belated Happy 70th Birthday dear! Indeed, we’re blessed to continue to have them. Looks like you had lots of fun, I’m so happy for that. You look great too! Some years are splashier than others. Some years, we’re just content to be quiet and thankful. Usually the latter. I like making parties for others much more than being the reason for the party it seems. There’s so much party crafting going on now too. Martha Stewart has a whole new line just for parties. I like to celebrate under the radar, lol xo K

I’m with you on the parties. I’d rather do them for others but somehow this one evolved without me having any say in the matter. I always celebrate having another year but usually quietly. That’s more my style. As for crafting, I’m giving away most of my stuff. Lots of rubber stamps still in the packages and paper. Unless my daughter suddenly expresses an interest, they will go to an organization that sells them to facilities that do art therapy. I have too many other hobbies. Not nearly as organized as you and Alys. Working on it though. Have a wonderfilled week. Hugs and misses. 🙂

I don’t know if I qualify to be mentioned in the same ‘organization’ realm as our sweet Alys. She knows all the tricks. But I love to do it. I actually RE-organize the craft room every other month I think, LOL ! I would like the closets in my craft room to be done, but never find enough time to really get it done. xk

You have to be very organized to get as much done as you do. That’s why so much of my stuff is going out of here. Very distracting and it’s stuff I now realize I will never use. We are making another drop off today. Let someone who has the time for it use it. 🙂 Winter, after Christmas is the best time to get that kind of thing done. But of course you have projects that keep you going everyday. Lots more fun when you reign it in. Hugs sweetie.

Thank you very much for the birthday wishes. I’m grateful to have each one. That really was some ‘cake’ though there is no cake in it. 😉 It’s all egg white meringue and whipped creme. The fruit in it and the eggs and creme make it a legal part of the food groups, right? 🙂

You make me laugh. Yes, flour makes it dough. The inventiveness of humans with their food is incredible. Your job is to eat the peanut butter cookies and say how wonderful they are. Obviously, a job well done. 😉

Marlene, I am sorry I missed this wonderful birthday post of yours. Is 4 months late better late than never? I am glad you are doing all you can to live a happy and fulfilling life in spite of health problems. Happy New Year, too, my friend! 😁💖🐢